cannabisnews.com: Marijuana-Like Substance in Brain Relieves Pain Marijuana-Like Substance in Brain Relieves Pain Posted by FoM on October 11, 1999 at 15:10:51 PT Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Source: Reuters Health Pain triggers the release of a marijuana-like chemical called anandamide deep in the brain that works as a natural pain reliever, report US researchers. The finding ``may have relevance for the treatment of pain, particularly in instances where opiates are ineffective,'' according to a report published in the October 12th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.For the first time, anandamide levels were measured in rat brains using a sensitive method for detecting cannabinoids (marijuana-like compounds), according to J. Michael Walker and colleagues at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.The researchers used fine wires to stimulate an area of the rat brain associated with pain perception. According to the results, stimulation of this area -- called the periaqueductal gray (PAG) -- resulted in greatly diminished pain sensitivity in the rat. Furthermore, pain perception returned to normal when the researchers administered a substance that blocked anandamide.The fall in pain perception was paralleled by a significant rise in the levels of anandamide in the PAG, the scientists report.Anandamide levels in the brain also rose significantly in response to painful stimuli, the report indicates.Taken together, these results support the existence of a pain control system within the PAG ``that is triggered by pain and promotes analgesia through the release of anandamide,'' Walker and colleagues conclude.The researchers suggest that drugs that affect the anandamide system might form the basis of a modern approach to the treatment of pain.SOURCE:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 1999;96:12198-12203.Monday October 11 5:31 PM ET Copyright © 1996-1999 Reuters LimitedMedical Marijuana Information:Medical Marijuana Research http://www.maps.org/mmj/index.html FDA-Approved Marijuana Study At Last Hurdle - 10/06/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3175.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #4 posted by RoMan on October 12, 1999 at 14:07:49 PT Causalgia Kausis=burning & Algos=pain known today as RSDSDemoral can helpMorphine can helpCannabis can keep it in check and without negative side effects. Used properly the "buzz" effects can be disapated.Wake up "Modern Medicine".R [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Rainbow on October 12, 1999 at 06:50:13 PT: But what of the IOM Yes it seems that the sceintific community is finally discovering what we have known for ages (2000 years or more). Funny how science is slow but will finally get there.Now I wonder how long it will take the politicians since they are neither scientific nor reasonable eg Barr, Mica, McCollum, Grams, hatch, Feinstein etc.I doubt that the Mayo Clinic will change their stand as I have provided documentation for them and they still ignore it. Look at barry and the IOM.I am too hopeful that us in the general public will become more aware and literally force the politicians to obey the will of the people.With the scientists saying good things more people will realize the propaganda is just that propaganda.The tide is turning, and it might happen soon.I will pass this bit of information along to my politicians and once again encourage them to have some compassion.CheersRainbow [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 11, 1999 at 18:42:48 PT Good News! Hi Jean!It is really good news! Now it is a medicine that is proven better then a placebo, so they have to reschedule it to II! It seems like the only thing to do, and it seems so right to me! I hope they get it this time! Sometimes I want to ask them if there's anybody in there! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Jeaneous on October 11, 1999 at 17:23:47 PT: At last!! This article certainly hits home. I fully know of the relief that marijuana gives to pain and I am so glad to hear they have actually found that in the lab. It gives me hope that I might see the chance to be able to find my own relief from pain with marijuana.I have a recommendation, but since my husbands probation papers state he cannot be around "known drug users" or around any drugs. I am not allowed to use my medication. It becomes very difficult to know that relief is just a joint away and knowing I would risk my husbands freedom again if I use it. I'm hoping that day is not too far away. Studies like these are so positive for the medicinal stance. I'm glad to see the progress [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: